2. Pat Lam – Samoa/New Zealand
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New Zealand’s loss was Samoa’s gain in the case of back-rower Pat Lam, as he traded All Black for the blue of the Islanders after failing to win a Test cap. He played only once for the All Blacks, in a 1991 tour game, but won 34 caps for Samoa and played at three World Cups.
He played only once for the All Blacks, in a 1991 tour game, but won 34 caps for Samoa and played at three World Cups.
3. Tom Richards – Australia/British & Irish Lions
Richards was the only player to ever play for both Australia and the British Lions, thus, the Tom Richards Trophy is named in his honour, which is the silverware that is played for between the British & Irish Lions and Australia.
In 2005 he was honoured as one of the inaugural five inductees into the Australian Rugby Union Hall of Fame. Upon his induction, Australian Rugby Union President Paul McLean commented: “late Tom Richards was an extraordinary character whom The Times described in 1908 as the first man to be picked for Earth if we were ever to play Mars!”
4. Va’aiga Tuigamala – New Zealand/Samoa
Widely known as ‘Inga the Winger’, Va’aiga Lealuga Tuigamala is also known as being one of the most powerful, hard-hitting and versatile backs ever to play the game.
As well as representing the All Blacks at international level, Inga also played for Samoa in both rugby union and rugby league both at centre and on the wing. As an All Black, he played in 19 tests (scoring 5 tries) and 20 non-international matches (scoring 9 tries).